How to Measure a Mattress

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Measuring a mattress is helpful when you’re looking to buy bedding or bring a new mattress into your home. Luckily, measuring a mattress is easy and only requires a few simple tools.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Measuring the Dimensions of Your Mattress

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    You’ll get the most accurate measurements when your mattress doesn’t have anything on it. If you’re measuring your mattress for fitted sheets or a comforter, and you have a padded mattress topper on your mattress, leave it on when you do the measuring. [1]
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    Use a tape measure or fabric ruler to do your measuring. Mattresses can curve outward on the sides, so make sure you’re measuring from the widest point on each side of the mattress. [2]
    • Write your measurements down on a piece of paper as you go so you don’t forget them!
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    If your mattress curves outward at the back and front edges, measure from the furthest point out on each edge. [3]
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    If you’re measuring for fitted sheets or a comforter, and you have a padded mattress topper, include the mattress topper in your measurement. Otherwise, only measure the height of the mattress itself. [4]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Using Your Measurements

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    There are 6 standard mattress sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. Knowing the size of your mattress will help you choose bedding that fits. The different mattress sizes are based on how wide and long a mattress is. [5]
    • Twin mattresses are 38 inches (97 cm) wide by 75 inches (190 cm) long.
    • Twin XL mattresses are 38 inches (97 cm) wide by 80 inches (200 cm) long.
    • Full mattresses are 53 inches (130 cm) wide by 75 inches (190 cm) long.
    • Queen mattresses are 60 inches (150 cm) wide by 80 inches (200 cm) long.
    • King mattresses are 76 inches (190 cm) wide by 80 inches (200 cm) long.
    • California king mattresses are 72 inches (180 cm) wide by 84 inches (210 cm) long.
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    This measurement is important because you need to know whether the new mattress will fit through them when you bring it home. Choose a mattress with a width that’s smaller than the smallest door or hallway you’ll need to carry it through. [6]
    • Check for any low-hanging light fixtures that might get in the way when you’re moving in your new mattress.
    • Measure the width and height of any staircases you'll use when you're moving the mattress.
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    Bed frames are sized just like mattresses, but the sizing can vary between manufacturers. When you find a bed frame you like, measure the width, height, and length of the part of the bed frame your mattress will sit in. [7]
    • If the width or length is less than the width and length of your mattress, your mattress won’t sit in the bed frame properly.
    • If the part of the bed frame your mattress will sit in has a greater height than your mattress, your mattress will be too low in the frame.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    My mattress measures 72W X 80L, which is neither King nor Cal King. I cannot find sheets that fit. Is there a measurement between King and CalifKing?
    Community Answer
    No. You may have to settle for deep-pocket King sheets. A search for "custom bedding" may yield something helpful.
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  • Question
    I have a queen size bed. The mattress is a queen size mattress, but it seems to be ‘short’ at the foot of the bed. My box springs seems to be the same way. When I moved, did the movers set it up wrong?
    Community Answer
    Probably not. Mattress companies sometimes "shrink" their mattresses and box springs. They may have shorted you on the size.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Tape measure or fabric ruler
      • Piece of paper
      • Pencil

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHQquWLVNFg&feature=youtu.be&t=41
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnqOKDBgCYE&feature=youtu.be&t=88
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnqOKDBgCYE&feature=youtu.be&t=86
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnqOKDBgCYE&feature=youtu.be&t=91
      5. ↑ http://bettersleep.org/mattress-sizes/
      6. ↑ https://www.qvc.com/footers/fth/pdf/Serta_DeliveryMeasure.pdf
      7. ↑ https://expatliving.sg/how-to-choose-the-perfect-bed-frame/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before measuring your mattress, take off any blankets, sheets, or pillows on it and then measure the height, width, and length of the mattress. If you’re measuring for new bedding, and you have a mattress topper on your mattress, include the topper in your measurements. When you’re buying a new mattress, measure any doorways or halls you’ll need to carry it through when you bring it home to make sure it will fit. For more mattress measuring tips, like how to tell what size your bed is based on its dimensions, keep reading!

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